Mount Lebanon

Quick Facts: Who was Mount Lebanon?

Subject:

Mount Lebanon

Known for:

A vital mountain range in Lebanon, famed for cedar forests and historical cultural divisions.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Mount Lebanon is a mountain range in Lebanon. It is about 170 km (110 mi) long and averages above 2,500 m (8,200 ft) in elevation, with its peak at 3,088 m (10,131 ft). The range provides a typical alpine climate year-round. Mount Lebanon is well-known for its snow-covered mountains, home to surviving Lebanese cedar forests and diverse high-altitude flora and fauna. The name Lebanon itself originates from the white, snow-covered tops of this mountain range.

Career & Major Achievements

The Mount Lebanon range extends along the entire country for about 170 km (110 mi), parallel to the Mediterranean coast. The highest peak is Qurnat as Sawda', at 3,088 m (10,131 ft). The range receives a substantial amount of precipitation, including snow, which averages around 4 m (13 ft) in depth. The Mount Lebanon range is bordered to the east by the Beqaa Valley, which separates it from the Anti-Lebanon Mountains further east. Lebanon has historically been defined by the mountains, which provided protection for the local population.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In Lebanon, changes in scenery are related less to geographical distances than to altitudes. The mountains were known for their oak and pine forests. The last remaining old growth groves of the famous Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani var. libanii) are on the high slopes of Mount Lebanon, in the Cedars of God World Heritage Site. The Phoenicians used the forests of Mount Lebanon to build their ships enabling trade with their neighbors.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Mount Lebanon

True or False: “The name 'Lebanon' is derived from the Semitic root meaning 'white'.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): This root likely refers to the white appearance of the mountain range when covered in snow.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Lebanon